Guwahati: The final preparations are underway at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium ahead of the second Test, and early signs point to a surface still carrying a noticeable green tinge. It remains to be seen how much of that grass will be shaved off before the match. As observed by a TOI reporter on the ground, Shubman Gill is unlikely to attend India’s practice session on Thursday, though there is a possibility he may join training on Friday. Gill had suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata, forcing him to retire hurt in India’s first innings. He did not come out to bat in the second innings and has been under the medical team’s supervision since.
TOI understands that the pitch being prepared for the Guwahati Test is made of red soil, which naturally provides extra bounce and carry for fast bowlers. This will be the first-ever Test hosted at this venue, which is also the home base of BCCI chief curator Ashish Bhowmick. With the surface in Kolkata drawing criticism for its inconsistent bounce, the BCCI is keen to avoid a repeat as they bring a new Test centre into the fold. According to a BCCI official, the idea is to produce turn, but turn that arrives with pace and reliable bounce, rather than the erratic behaviour seen in the series opener. India’s team management had conveyed their surface preferences before the home season, and the curators are working to ensure the pitch does not acquire a negative reputation in its maiden outing. With BCCI secretary Davjit Saikia also hailing from Guwahati, the focus on the final preparation of the surface has only intensified. The grass cover, moisture levels and rolling pattern will be monitored closely in the coming days as India look to level the series.
